Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter, the term: (1) "Attending physician" shall have the same meaning as provided in § 7-621(1); provided, that the attending physician's practice shall not be primarily or solely composed of patients requesting a covered medication. (2) "Capable" means that, in the opinion of a court or the patient's attending physician, consulting physician, psychiatrist, or psychologist, a patient has the ability to make and communicate health care decisions to health care providers. (3) "Consulting physician" means a physician who is qualified by specialty or experience to make a professional diagnosis and prognosis regarding the patient's disease and who is willing to participate in the provision of a covered medication to a qualified patient in accordance with this chapter. (4) "Counseling" means one or more consultations as necessary between a District licensed psychiatrist or psychologist and a patient for the purpose of determining that the patient is capable and not suffering from a psychiatric or psychological disorder or depression causing impaired judgment. (5) "Covered medication" means a medication prescribed pursuant to this chapter for the purpose of ending a person's life in a humane and peaceful manner. (6) "Department" means the Department of Health. (7) "Health care facility" means a hospital or long-term care facility. (8) "Health care provider" means a person, partnership, corporation, facility, or institution that is licensed, certified, or authorized under District law to administer health care or dispense medication in the ordinary course of business or practice of a profession. (9) "Hospital" shall have the same meaning as provided in § 44-501(a)(1). (10) "Informed decision" means a decision by a qualified patient to request and obtain a prescription for a covered medication that is based on an appreciation of the relevant facts and is made after being fully informed by the attending physician of: (A) His or her medical diagnosis; (B) His or her prognosis; (C) The potential risks associated with taking the covered medication; (D) The probable results of taking the covered medication; and (E) Feasible alternatives to taking the covered medication, including comfort care, hospice care, and pain control. (11) "Long-term care facility" means a nursing home or community residence facility, as defined by § 44-501(a)(3) and (4), or an assisted living residence, as defined by § 44-102.01(4). (12) "Medically confirmed" means the medical opinion of the attending physician has been confirmed by a consulting physician who has examined the patient and the patient's relevant medical records. (13) "Patient" means a person who has attained 18 years of age, resides in the District of Columbia, and is under the care of a physician. (14) "Physician" shall have the same meaning as provided in § 7-621(4). (15) "Qualified patient" means a patient who: (A) Has been determined to be capable; and (B) Satisfies the requirements of this chapter in order to obtain a prescription for a covered medication. (16) "Terminal disease" means an incurable and irreversible disease that has been medically confirmed and will, within reasonable medical judgment, result in death within 6 months.